Accidently vs Accidentally
What’s the difference between them?
Accidently
Meaning:
Accidently means by chance; not deliberately; unintentionally.
Examples:
1. I accidnetly spilled coffee all over my shirt.
2. He accidnetly stepped on her foot as he walked past.
3. She accidnetly deleted the important file.
Accidentally
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is more accepted for formal writing.
Examples:
1. Accidentally, I spilled my drink all over the floor.
2. He accidentally stepped on my foot as he walked by.
3. She accidentally sent the wrong document to her colleague.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Accidently
Unintentionally
inadvertently
On Purpose
Accidentally
Unintentionally
inadvertently
On Purpose
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Accidently", "Accidentally".
1. Accidently is a common usage for informal writing.
2. The correct spelling for formal writing is accidentally.
3. If you have doubts, always use 'accidentally.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word?
The first word, 'accidently' refers to something that happened without intention. Such spelling is common for informal writing.
When to use the second word?
The second word, 'accidentally' should be used in formal writing.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same, with the stress falling on the first syllable. The accents is on the second syllable, the 'i', pronounced as a short 'i' sound.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'accidently', 'accidentally'?
One of the most common mistakes associated with these words is confusion between 'accidently' and 'accidentally'. As mentioned above, 'accidently' is used in informal contexts, while 'accidentally' is used in formal contexts. When you are in doubt, always use 'accidentally' to avoid mistakes.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I ________ knocked over the vase.
2. She ________ hit her head on the doorframe.
3. They ________ tripped over the rug.
4. We ________ spilled the paint.
5. He ________ burned his hand on the stove.
6. You ________ dropped the glass.
1. accidentally/accidently
Explanation: Both spellings are correct.
2. accidentally/accidently
Explanation: Both spellings are correct.
3. accidentally/accidently
Explanation: Both spellings are correct.
4. accidentally/accidently
Explanation: Both spellings are correct.
5. accidentally/accidently
Explanation: Both spellings are correct.
6. accidentally/accidently
Explanation: Both spellings are correct.
Get a gift by subscribing to our newsletter!
Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.